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Meet New Regent Leslie Hudson

Monday, October 6, 2008

Dr. Leslie Hudson was named in September to the USAO Board of Regents by Gov. Brad Henry. She will serve the five years remaining on the unexpired term of the late Regent Jack Mildren, who died in May.

“I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to serve as a Regent for the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma,” Hudson said after being sworn in on Sept. 9. “A strong public liberal arts university is a very important component of the higher education portfolio of the state.”

Dr. Hudson received her doctorate in epidemiology from the University of Oklahoma in 1990 and served as a faculty member in the College of Public Health until 2000. She continues her service with University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center as a member of the advisory boards of the College of Public Health and the OU Breast Health Institute.

“Leslie Hudson understands the role of higher learning institutions as not only rich cultural resources to the state but as engines of economic opportunity,” USAO President John Feaver said. “Her multidisciplinary perspective as a scientist, educator, art enthusiast and community builder will be invaluable to the college in the years ahead.”

Dr. Hudson has served as a trustee of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art since 1997, leading the board as President from 2004�. She is a trustee of Heritage Hall School in Oklahoma City and has recently been named a trustee of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and a member of the board of directors of Allied Arts. She formally served on the board of Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma.

“I sincerely do enjoy my ‘second life’ as a community volunteer for several civic and educational groups,” Hudson said. “A strong civil society requires the commitment of many people from various walks of life and with various talents. Many of these people are volunteers. I’ve found it to be a wonderful honor to serve in this capacity.”

“Initially, my training as an epidemiologist served as the lens through which I viewed my volunteer activities,” Hudson said. “As my community experiences have broadened, I find this lens has become more nuanced and multi-faceted. Each organization offers new opportunities for service and learning, but also similar challenges for program analysis and financial development.”

Dr. Hudson is married to Clifford Hudson, chairman of the board and CEO of Sonic Corporation. The Hudsons have two sons.